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6 home improvement mistakes that can be easily avoided

6 home improvement mistakes that can be easily avoided

Home improvement projects are an exciting way to spruce up your space. But they can be fraught with mistakes. Whether you are an expert or it is your first time taking up a home improvement project, the possibility of making mistakes exists. While some errors can be easily rectified, others might end up costing you heavily. It hence becomes important to be aware of the common pitfalls that come along with a renovation project.

Skipping paperwork
Filing paperwork for building permits is a crucial task. Remodeling projects require permits, and not taking care of this paperwork is a common home improvement mistake often made by many. City inspectors can check in on your project to make sure it was executed properly and that the installation was done safely. Anyone who tells you permits are not necessary is setting you up for steep fines. If you want to avoid reopening ceilings and walls, take care of the paperwork before you go around installing anything.

Not planning for unexpected outcomes
One thing that you need to accept when it comes to remodeling projects is that things might not go as planned. There could be unexpected mistakes, roof leaks, or measurement errors that can pose a problem. Unforeseen issues and mistakes are a part of home improvement projects. One way to deal with them is to put aside a portion of your budget for these errors or revisions. According to experts, this is going to be about 10-15 percent of your total budget. A huge upside is that if things do end up going your way, you are left with some savings that can come in handy for your next project.

Prioritizing aesthetics
Everyone wants a home that looks like it has been carved straight out of a Pinterest board. However, when remodeling, make sure you are not entirely focused on the aesthetics. There is no point in having a magnificent-looking home with functionality issues. You will only end up remodeling again making the first home improvement project irrelevant.

Changing your decisions constantly
Continually giving in to whims of inspiration can cost you energy, time, and money. Letting inspiration guide you is a great way to get your desired outcome, but if you keep changing your mind while the home improvement project is already underway, it is going to turn into a huge mistake. It is better to sit with your idea for a while before you start off with renovations. That way, if you want to make any changes you can figure a way out without having to stop whatever you were building and start over again.

Setting an unrealistic budget
Running out of money in the middle of a home improvement project can be disastrous. When setting your home improvement budget, make sure you have complete clarity about your goals. Take into consideration details like what kind of materials and finishings you want and factor those costs into your budget. Additionally, think about the financing option that best suits you.

Making too many personal additions
When remodeling the house, people often start adding in things that are specifically a personal choice. This could include a certain wall color, a wall-to-wall carpet, a game room, or a wine cellar. It is important to remember that all of these things might not interest a potential buyer. Most buyers prefer neutral spaces that let them envision their preferred living space.

Pay special attention to stairs and railings in the house to ensure safety. Even during the renovation project, stairs must be equipped with temporary safety rails. Check for additional lighting around the staircase, and keep the space free of any dangerous projections or tripping hazards.

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5 common vacuuming mistakes to avoid

Most individuals rely on their vacuum cleaners to help clean floors, carpet, tiles, sofas, upholstery, and sometimes hardwood floors. Though the vacuum is a versatile and sturdy tool, you may be unknowingly doing things that could damage its parts or body in the long run. After all, they are not indestructible and surely not always cheap. In order to keep them in good working condition, you should avoid making the following mistakes with your vacuum cleaner. Vacuuming things you shouldn't Dry foods like salt or sugar spills can be cleaned with a vacuum. But bits of wet food left on the floor, like pieces of tomato or baked beans, should not be vacuumed. They contain moisture that can clog the pipes and ruin the motor. Small and heavy objects like screws, coins, or large pieces of broken glass could cut the dust bag if vacuumed and damage the internal parts. Used coffee grounds are another thing that should not be vacuumed. They can block pipes, destroy motors, and result in the growth of mildew. Avoid vacuuming long clumps of hair, too, as they can get stuck inside the machine. Running the vacuum when the dust bag is full Whenever the dust container or bin is full, it should be emptied. On the off chance that you don't do that, the performance of the vacuum cleaner will be affected. You also risk overheating and harming the machine. However, time after time, we're in a rush and run the machine when it's overfilled. In the event that you notice the vacuum cleaner doesn't appear to have as much suction, take a look at the bin or dust bag first. More often than not, emptying these can have a tremendous effect on the vacuum's performance. It will likewise lessen the weight on the motor and extend the life of the machine. Throwing away the vacuum prematurely If your vacuum cleaner isn't suctioning things like it used to, don't just assume it's old and broken. There are various easy ways to fix the machine. First, check if the dust bag is full. Most vacuum cleaners perform poorly when the dust bag is full or nearly full. If this doesn't work, there could be a clog somewhere. Unplug the machine and remove its parts carefully. Check if the hose or its surrounding openings are blocked. Your brush-roll could not be running smoothly because of too much hair or carpet fibers stuck inside. Clean the clogged parts and your vacuum will start running just fine. Assuming the motor is broken Sometimes vacuum cleaners stop working mid-way. This is not because the motor is broken. It could simply mean that the machine has overheated because of a full dust bin. Empty the bag and try running the machine once it's cooled down. Some machines have a manual reset button that needs to be pushed to reset the motor. Read the instructions booklet on how to resolve this issue. Not cleaning the filter All vacuum cleaners have a filter that can get blocked due to excess dirt. They prevent dust from recirculating back into the air. The process of cleaning the filter is different for every model. Some have washable filters while others need to be replaced. Read the instruction manual and take the necessary steps to clean it accordingly.

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6 common gardening mistakes to avoid

Gardening is one of the most beloved hobbies for multiple reasons. To begin with, this is an activity in which one is surrounded by greenery, fresh air, and, above all, positive vibes. Additionally, gardening is a great exercise as it makes one stretch and sweat. Gardening involves several aspects, such as irrigation, using fertilizers, planting seeds, and taking care of growing plants and one must avoid making certain common gardening mistakes in the process. Planting too early or too late It is important to be mindful of the temperatures and climate at which specific seeds sprout. For instance, kale seeds sprout in warmer temperatures. So, if one goes ahead and sows them too early in the spring, they will not do well. In fact, such seeds will end up rotting. On the other hand, if certain seeds are planted too late, then the plants may freeze before their fruits have time to mature. To avoid planting too early or late, one needs to always know the soil temperature in their garden. Therefore, using a soil thermometer can be helpful to prevent this common gardening mistake. Underwatering or overwatering Watering is another facet of gardening that needs the perfect balance. Underwatering the soil, or forgetting to do so at the right moments during the day, can leave the roots dried up. On the other hand, overwatering floods the soil and negatively affects the roots as they cannot get enough oxygen due to the water overdose. A handy trick to know whether the soil needs watering is to stick one's finger two inches into the soil if the garden is loamy. If the soil underneath is moist, it does not need watering immediately. Not interplanting Interplanting is the act of pairing companion plants so that they grow in combination. One can also bundle taller and shorter plants while gardening. This is a radical gardening concept and moves slightly away from the traditional concept of growing only one type of plant in a bed at a given time. The biggest benefit of interplanting is that it helps whittle weeds and brings in pollinators beneficial for further seeding and plant growth. Moreover, interplanting is known to reduce the likelihood of plants catching diseases or being attacked by pests as well. Overfertilizing the soil Fertilizers are vital to improving the nutrient content of the soil. A well-fertilized soil is critical to keep the plants growing and well-nourished and, by extension, make the garden a green and vibrant place to be. However, fertilizers contain chemicals, and using them excessively can lead to side effects such as the soil becoming too saline or, in some cases, unable to grow plants. Overfertilizing can also kill crops and cause a biological imbalance between the soil and plants. Therefore, using organic compost and natural fertilizers is preferable as opposed to using powerful, chemical-filled ones. Overlooking the local climate As implied earlier, factors such as local climate, soil temperature, and rain expectancy are closely linked with the success rate of plant growth in a garden. Not paying heed to such factors can result in a dysfunctional garden, which is why, overlooking them is one of the biggest gardening mistakes to avoid. Not spacing plants adequately Inadequate spacing between plants can limit their yield and, in worst-case scenarios, kill the crop altogether. Therefore, giving each plant enough space is essential. Not doing so is one of the biggest gardening mistakes to avoid. Besides avoiding these mistakes, consider installing a leaf gutter system like LeafGuard on the roof. It will prevent debris from accumulating and rainwater from collecting during a heavy downpour. The simple aerodynamic design allows only water to flow into the outlets as leaves, dirt, and debris flow outward. Clogged roof drains are a major hazard, so consider this upgrade while improving the garden landscape. Installing and repairing roof gutters is not a DIY job, so contact companies like LeafFilter, LeafGuard, and HomeCraft. You can expect an average cost of $150 to $600, depending on the extent of the task at hand. The type of materials used and labor costs will add up to the total. Arrange for an executive inspection before asking for a professional quote.

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